GetBackpacking! Intro to Backpacking Program

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/f/e/4/600_435833220.jpeg

Our GetBackpacking! program, launched last fall, is back with three sessions scheduled for the fall. At this clinic we will go over how the program works, talk about backpacking in general, and discuss some of the great places to backpack in the region. Briefly, here's how the program works:

• Three training hikes. At the first hike, we'll go over how to pack a backpack, then hike in full pack for 2 miles. Second training hike: We'll hike 2 miles, stop and set up camp, then break camp and hike 2 more miles. Third training hike: We'll hike about 3 miles, stop and prepare a meal, then hike 3 more miles.

• Graduation hike. Three-day, two-night trip to South Mountains State Park, a great place for your first trip.

• This is a fee program. Cost of the 4-week program is $75. You'll recoup $35 of that amount in the form of a gift card from Great Outdoor Provision Co.

• 10 percent discount on backpacking gear. Each participant in the clinic gets a 10 percent discount on backpack gear at Great Outdoor Provision Co. for the duration of the session.

• Door prize. Great Outdoor Provision Co. will give an Osprey backpack to one session participant. In addition, two men's packs and two women's packs will be discounted 30 percent. First come, first served.

• Weekly enewsletter with tips, resources, suggestions and a preview of the upcoming training session.

• Sessions are scheduled for September, October and November. Dates for the training sessions and graduation trips are:

September: Sessions: 1. Sept. 9 (Wednesday, 6 p.m.); 2. Sept. 13 (Sunday, 9 a.m.); 3. Saturday, Sept. 19 (Saturday, 9 a.m.); Graduation trip: Sept. 25-27 (Friday afternoon thru Sunday).

October: Sessions: 1. Oct. 4 (Sunday, 9 a.m.); 2. Oct. 11 (Sunday, 9 a.m.); 3. Oct. 17 (Saturday, 9 a.m.); Graduation trip: Oct. 23-25 (Friday afternoon thru Sunday).

November: Sessions: Nov. 1 (Sunday, 10 a.m.); Nov. 8 (Sunday, 10 a.m.); Nov. 15 (Sunday, 10 a.m.); Graduation: Nov. 20-22 (Friday afternoon thru Sunday).

• Class size is limited to 12.
  The program is targeted to first-timers and folks who may have backpacked once or twice in a past life and are interested in getting back into it. We'll also talk about our GetBackpacking! program, which offers monthly trips throughout the region.